Restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska That Will Shock You!
Ready to discover some of the best restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska? Whether you’re new to living in Fairbanks and want to discover some local gems, or you’ve lived in Alaska for a while and want to know what’s new in the area, or you’re planning on visiting from out of state and love exploring local restaurants, this post is for you. I have visited Alaska (for work and fun) many times, and finally got to visit Fairbanks Alaska in winter (December 2024) and LOVED IT. The food in Fairbanks was SO GOOD.
***disclaimer: this post does contain affiliate links, that benefit my small business. if you choose to purchase anything through them, i appreciate your support. in addition, this trip was comped by explore fairbanks, but making this blog post was not part of that agreement- it is my own opinions :).
Quick Introduction: Meet the Blogger
I like to make my blog posts PERSONAL, so we can all relate to each other. Let me answer the questions- why should you read this blod post? Who even is this girl? Hi, I’m Danielle FAIRBANKS, yes you read that right. I married a man with the last name of Fairbanks and have spent the last 7 years answering the phone “Danielle FAIRBANKS, like Fairbanks, Alaska.” This trip became so much more special being able to visit somewhere that feels like part of us.
On top of that, Alaska is a special place to me because I WORK HERE. I actually live in Phoenix, Arizona (completely opposite landscape), but I work part time in remote arctic Alaska villages as a medical provider (PA-C). I come to alaska 4-5 times per year for work to provide healthcare for alaska natives and it holds a very, very special place in my heart. I have found the personalities of people in Alaska to be SO FRIENDLY, and the way of life much simpler, much less focused on materialism, and more about quiet and sustainability and exploring nature. I hope to share that with you in my blog post. If you’re interested in learning more about my rural work (if you or someone you know works in healthcare), grab my wilderness medicine guide HERE.
Coolest Restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska
Let’s get into the magical restaurants, coffee shops, bars, etc that you can visit in and around Fairbanks Alaska. Below is a google map to everywhere we went.
Coffee & Breakfast Restaurants
Want to start your day with a warm cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) and delicious breakfast? One interesting thing I learned about Fairbanks, and Alaska in general, was that people LOVE drive thru coffee. Where I’m from (Arizona), we love sit down coffee shops to talk to friends, work, study, etc. I guess it makes sense when it’s so cold outside! Nonetheless, let’s go over some of the best coffee & breakfast restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska.
This is Fairbanks’ organically sourced and locally roasted coffee company. They have multiple locations, from inside the Fairbanks airport to at The Santa Claus House (where I got some). My latte was delicious!
I didn’t get a chance to visit this one, but I would if I visited again. They’ve got LOTS of coffee options and flavors, bagels, and breakfast burritos.
You know Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives? He came to eat at this restaurant- isn’t that fun?! Read more about it HERE. They have breakfast ALL DAY. And wow they have so many pastries and warm goodies. Definitely should be on your list of restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska to visit.
I LOVED this place. I know I mentioned it’s common for people to get drive thru coffee, but I love a sit down coffee shop when I have time. I was staying downtown and my husband and I were able to walk over to McCafferty’s and it was so worth it. We sat and read a book for a while and enjoyed the cozy atmosphere. I loved the cozy nook right by the windows above. Highly recommend!
The Crepery is one of the most unique restaurants in fairbanks alaska. It could be breakfast or lunch because they make delicious SWEET and SAVORY crepes here. They’re a large size- totally shareable (but no judgement if you want to eat it all, haha). My favorite part was the smell of the restaurant and watching them make the crepes in front of you. I also love that there are 2 beautiful murals in the Crepery parking lot!
Lunch/ Dinner Restaurants
Let’s grab some lunch or dinner in Fairbanks Alaska. From thai food to pizza to local meats, I’ve got you covered with some of the best restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska.
Latitude 65 is an INCREDIBLE restaurant at Borealis Basecamp (north of Fairbanks). I had to put this first because I was blown away. It was one of my husband and I’s favorite restaurants EVERRRRRR. The Latitude 65 chef is award winning, and per their restaurant “The mission of Latitude 65 is to provide guests with a true Alaskan eating experience. We serve all sustainable Alaskan Seafood, and have established relationships with local farmers to provide local produce.” If you’re staying at Basecamp, breakfast is included, and they have a pub all day, and then you make reservations for dinner. WOW WOW WOW on everything from drinks to soup to seafood to desserts. THIS IS SO WORTH THE SPLURGE. I’ll include a link below that leads to my itinerary that includes every restaurant we went to, info about Borealis Basecamp, etc.
Chena Hot Springs Resort is located about an hour out of Fairbanks Alaska and the drive is GORGEOUS. We actually spent a night here, so we were able to explore more of the area AND eat at the restaurant. The restaurant is famous for using fresh veggies and herbs from the Chena Greenhouse. A greenhouse in Alaska? YES! It’s so cool. They harness the energy from the hot springs to be able to keep a greenhouse going all year round, including winter. It produces over 500 heads of lettuce A WEEK. This the iconic “Chena Fresh Salad” at the Chena Restaurant using greenhouse produce. It was delicious!
East Ramp Wood Fired Pizza is one of the most fun restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska. Try one of their famous pizzas, get a cold beer, and watch planes land and take off from the windows (due to it’s location near the airport)! If you like pizza, this is the first place you should try!
Other Pizza Places in Fairbanks to Try: The Hungry Robot, House of Fire Pizza, Great Alaskan Pizza Company
Thai/Asain Food is a big deal in Fairbanks. The asain influence is strong in the area due to immigration in the past for jobs like mining, the pipeline, etc AND it’s a popular destination for the Asain population to see the Northern Lights. Make sure to check out the Thai House, or another asian restaurant in the area!
Other Asian Food in Fairbanks to Try: Yes! Noodles, Lin’s Asian Bistro, Bamboo Panda, or Lemongrass Thai Cuisine
The Pumphouse Restaurant in Fairbanks Alaska is an iconic place to get some Alaskan cuisine and some great views. It is located on the Chena River which is stunning. This would be a great special occasion restaurant. I’ve only been to Fairbanks in winter, but I would LOVE to sit out on their balcony in the summer time.
Lavelle’s Bistro is another FANCIER restaurant in Fairbanks Alaska. It is actually attached to Springhill Suites Downtown Fairbanks- where I stayed. This was such a nice, upscale, and affordable hotel. Highly recommend.
“Lavelle’s Bistro offers Fairbanks locals and our guests from around the globe a warm and comforting place to wine and dine. We present a selection of delicacies of all shapes and sizes from American and French cuisine.
We celebrate wine makers from America and Europe in our extensive wine cellar, with over 1,500 bottles to choose from. As we prepare your meal please enjoy good company, great wine, a relaxed atmosphere and the charm only Alaska can deliver,” per their website. A photo of Springhill Suites and booking link is below!!
Drinks/ Bars in Fairbanks, AK
Okay, let’s get into fun bars and breweries of Fairbanks, Alaska. First up is HooDoo Brewing Co. This fun building was oddly located in an industrial area of Fairbanks by the river, but it was POPPING. So busy we could barely move around inside. The drinks were amazing, and I love their branding. The only thing I didn’t like was them not having a food menu. BUT, there is a rotating food truck outside, and they keep their rotation online on their website HERE. They do also let you bring your food inside, which is nice!
I had to include this unique experience. The Aurora Ice Bar, within the Aurora Ice Museum, is located at Chena Hot Springs, an hour outside of Fairbanks. If you are going there to soak in the hot springs or eat at the restaurant, make sure to do an Ice Museum Tour and pay extra for an Apple Martini out of an Ice Glass. It was so amazing watching the carver make these glasses out of an ice block. The martini tasted like a Jolly Rancher- so good! Fun fact, you can only due alcohol in the Ice Bar because anything else would freeze!!
This cozy literary themed cocktail lounge is located in Downtown, walking distance from so many other fun things in the area, with parking right across the street. I didn’t know what to expect, I jsut thought the name was interesting- so we checked it out. WOW. The bartender was absolutely incredible and so knowledgable. The drinks were divine. And the food- so flavorful. You need to check out this restaurant in Fairbanks Alaska if you visit. It’s a local favorite!
I walked by this one a few times when I was visiting Fairbanks in the winter (since it’s close to the visitor center), but didn’t get to go in. But it was so vibey from the outside with its dark aesthetic and murals. Make sure to check out their facebook page for local events!
Lavelle’s Taphouse is another amazing option to sample some local brews. Take a look at their website HERE for their giant tap list.
Other Bars in Fairbanks to Try: Fairbanks Distilling Company, Hoarfrost Distilling, Ursa Major Distilling, and The Boatel
Summary: Best Restaurants in Fairbanks, Alaska
Whether you’re a local wanting to check out new places, or someone who plans on visiting Fairbanks soon, I hope this post gave you ideas to add to your list. These are most definitely some of the best restaurants in Fairbanks Alaska! Enjoy everyone, and always drink responsibly.
